Registration is now open for McDaniel College's Carroll County Scholars program

All current 8th and 10th grade students residing in Carroll County are invited to receive free college search support by enrolling in Carroll County Scholars. Cohorts begin in the fall of 9th or 11th grades. Participants also receive a $100,000 scholarship to McDaniel upon completion of the program.

Carroll County Scholars 9th grade kickoff 2025 — Over 100 Carroll County high school students attended the ninth grade kickoff for the Carroll County Scholars program on Sept. 23, 2025.

McDaniel College invites all current 8th and 10th grade students who live in Carroll County to enroll in Carroll County Scholars.

Through the Carroll County Scholars program, students and their families receive free guidance and support as they navigate the college search process.

The program includes college readiness workshops and other programming to prepare students in identifying and successfully applying to college.

The cohorts begin in either the fall of 9th or 11th grades and run through the students’ senior year of high school. Eligible students who choose to enroll at McDaniel College after being admitted are also guaranteed a $100,000 ($25,000 per year) scholarship to McDaniel along with the opportunity to compete for a full-tuition scholarship upon completion of the program.

Since 1984, McDaniel has provided scholarships for Carroll County students to attend the college, funded largely by Carroll County businesses and McDaniel alumni. This program offers additional opportunities to help local students achieve their educational goals.

More about Carroll County Scholars

Through Carroll County Scholars, students receive practical advice, guidance, and feedback related to planning for college, the college search and application process, scholarships and financial aid, navigating standardized tests, applying as a student-athlete, and more. Students also get a glimpse of college life with special invitations to McDaniel College campus events. The goal of the program is to empower students and their families with the resources, tools, and knowledge to help them make the best college decision.

Students do not need to commit to attending McDaniel College to participate in the program and all Carroll County students are eligible, regardless of whether they attend a public, private, or homeschool. There is no minimum GPA requirement to be involved in Carroll County Scholars.

For more information and to register, visit www.mcdaniel.edu/ccs.

Additionally, information sessions are planned to take place during spring 2026 for students and families to learn more about the program on Wednesday, March 11 (in-person) and Thursday, April 9 (virtual). Locations and other details will be announced on the program website.

Frequently Asked Questions

View additional FAQs and more information on the program website

All students who reside in Carroll County are eligible to participate. Students must register while in their 8th or 10th grade year.

Families enroll at the end of their 8th or 10th grade years in order to begin the program in the 9th or 11th grade. All Carroll County resident students are eligible to participate. There is no minimum required GPA; just a willingness to engage in the program.

There is no cost to participate in the Carroll County Scholars program.

The program is funded in part by local donors including businesses and individuals who believe in helping our local students receive a nationally recognized four-year college education close to home.